LED Replacement Lamp and a Method of Replacing Preexisting Luminaires with LED Lighting Assemblies

ABSTRACT

A lighting apparatus for retrofitting an existing luminaire includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) of similar or differing wavelengths arranged and configured in at least one light bar array, a heat sink module thermally coupled to the at least one light bar array, an electronic power module electrically coupled to the at least one light bar array, and a plate coupled to the at least one light bar array, electronic power module and the heat sink module, the plate arranged and configured for coupling to the luminaire to provide quick and easy installation and replacement of the at least one light bar array, heat sink module and electronic power module into and from the luminaire.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of and claims priority underU.S.C. §120 to U.S. Pat. No. 12/629,461, entitled “LED Replacement Lampand a Method of Replacing Preexisting Luminaires with LED LightingAssemblies” filed Dec. 2, 2009; which claim priority under 35 U.S.C.§119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 61/119,487, filedon Dec. 3, 2008, the entirety of both which is incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the field of generallighting illumination and more particularly to the field of apparatusand methods for using light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other lightsources in a replacement lamp module.

The initial investment cost of LED illumination is expensive whencompared with traditional lighting means using the parameter ofcostllumen as the metric, even though the costllumen-hour orcostllumen-lifetime-hours is substantially less than incandescentlighting when operating expenses are included.

Therefore, if a significant portion of the cost of a new lightingfixture for the can be eliminated by allowing for use of conventionallighting fixtures, LED lighting would find a larger market share fasterthan if a new LED fixture is required.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,347,706 describes the replacement of the existingscrew-in lamp with a screw-in replacement. This technique does not offerenough thermal heat sinking to provide a sufficient amount of light forcompetitive use in the marketplace.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One illustrated embodiment of the invention is an apparatus comprised ofa plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) of similar or differingwavelengths situated in a fashion to retrofit an existing lumina ireproviding the thermal, electrical and optic performance desired. Anelectronic power control and heat sin˜module provides thermal managementof the apparatus and electronically controls the individual LEDs.Instead of providing a separate heat sink module thermally coupled tothe plurality of LEDs and/or electronic power control, the preexistingluminaire in appropriate applications may be thermally coupled to theelectronic power control and/or plurality of LEDs to serve or functionas a heat sink. In one embodiment there is at least one array of LEDs, arecessed cavity on the underside to provide shadowing of the beam toprovide Dark Sky Initiative compliance, along with the electronic powercontrol and heat sink module. The Dark Sky Initiative is aninternational policy to reduce light pollution, which is defined as anyadverse effect of artificial light including sky glow, glare, lighttrespass, light clutter, decreased visibility at night, and energywaste. See www.darksky.org.

One illustrated embodiment of the invention uses one or more LEDlightBARS™, such as those sold by Illumination Management Solutions ofIrvine, Calif., or a single plate or array of LEDs as a replacement lampmodule for existing or conventional luminaires. One such conventionalluminaire, the ‘Cobra Head’. is manufactured by many lumina iremanufacturers such as General Electric Co., Cooper Lighting, LLC andPhilips Lumec. The Cobra Head is installed throughout North America andthe world and is a ready market for an LED replacement lamp module. Inone illustrated embodiment, the retrofitting of the luminaire typicallyresults in the elimination of the protective glass or plastic cover,which was previously installed in the luminaire.

The illustrated embodiments of the invention can be substituted for theexisting lamp and reflector technology by simply removing the interiorcomponents of the lumina ire and substituting the illustrated embodimentof the invention in place of the outer lens or protective glass andconnecting three wires to the line input connector of the luminaire. Thereplacement can take as little as 20 minutes or less and it is possibleto perform this replacement in situ.

One embodiment of the invention is comprised of a shaped plate that fitsin the existing opening of a luminaire. The plate has a recessed portionto accommodate light bars or a light plate that is comprised of aplurality of LEDs with optics combined with each LED in an array toprovide a predetermined light output pattern. The recess provides ashadowed zone of light from the LEDs and/or optics that prevents thelight from extending around said opening of the luminaire. This allowsthe luminaire to meet the Dark Sky Initiative standards required in manyregions of the world for outdoor lighting.

Another embodiment of the invention has the recess in a stamped shapedplate. The perimeter of the plate may also be rolled or formed and cutto fit the existing mounting features of the luminaire.

Still another embodiment has a heat sink extrusion attached to thebackside to expel the heat generated from the LEDs into the cavity ofthe luminaire. The heat sink may be attached through the light bars tofix or clamp the shaped plate between the light bars and the heat sinkextrusion. The heat sink may be in intimate contact with the innersurface of the fixture so as to render the fixture part of the thermalmanagement system.

Yet another embodiment of the invention provides power to the LEDs viatransformer or other power source where the light bars are strings ofLEDs in series, parallel or both. The light bars provide power to theLEDs via pulse width modulation (PWM) or other onboard power conversioncircuitry. Additionally, one illustrated embodiment of the inventionprovides dimming controls, color controls or other electronicsapplicable to outdoor lighting, including, but not limited to networkaddressing, radio frequency controls or communication.

While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake ofgrammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expresslyunderstood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by theconstruction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accordedthe full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition providedby the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in thecase where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are tobe accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. Embodiments ofthe invention can be better visualized by turning now to the followingdrawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lower or outside aperture of oneembodiment of the invention. This embodiment is designed to fit a ‘CobraHead’ luminaire shown in FIGS. 8-10.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper or inside surface of theembodiment of the invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is the top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is the end plan view of the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view the embodiment of the inventiondescribed in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 as seenthrough section lines C-C in FIG. 6. This view describes an embodimentof the invention where the light bar(s) are recessed.

FIG. 8 is a side view photograph of an illustrated embodiment of theinvention mounted inside of a ‘Cobra Head’ luminaire manufactured byCooper Lighting, LLC of Peachtree City, Ga.

FIG. 9 is a perspective side view photograph of the embodiment of FIG. 8with the hinged door of the luminaire shown in an open condition. Thisview shows the embodiment of the invention mounted in place in the‘door’ of the luminaire and attached to the electrical source.

FIG. 10 is a perspective photographic view of the embodiment of FIGS. 8and 9 showing a means for mounting the embodiment of the invention tothe luminaire. In this embodiment the device uses the existing mountingmeans of the luminaire's original window to mount the device.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of the invention realized asa method of retrofitting a preexisting luminaire with anyone of thelight modules of FIGS. 1-10.

The various embodiments of the invention can now be better understood byturning to the following detailed description of illustrated exampleembodiments of the invention defined in the claims. It is expresslyunderstood that the invention as defined by the claims may be broaderthan the illustrated embodiments described below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

LED lighting module, generally denoted by reference numeral 10, is shownin perspective view in FIG. 1 wherein the lower or outside lightaperture is turned facing the viewer of the drawing. Module 10 includesa plurality of light bars 12, such as those manufactured by Cooperlighting, LLC. As will be described below, module 10 is scalable in thesense that it may be configured to selectively incorporate one, two orthree light bars without an alteration in the design. light bars 12 mayinclude any type of array now known or later devised, but are each lightbar 12 is shown as including a double row optically lensed LEDs or LEDpackages 14 (hereinafter referenced collectively as LED or LEDs). It isto be expressly understood that wherever “light bar” or “light bararray” is used in the specification, it is meant to include, but is notlimited to any type of planar or two-dimensional array of LEDs,including non-rectilinear arrays.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, each of the LEDs 14 is combinedwith an optic or lens, which serves to direct the light from the LEDchip or package into anyone of a plurality of selected lightdistribution patterns according to the application as hand. The selectedlight distribution patterns generated by LEDs 14 may be identical or maybe different in one or more aspects, again according to the intendedapplication at hand. Thus, it is to be expressly understood that in theillustrated embodiments there is no limitation on the type orcharacteristics which may be exhibited by LEDs 14 or the nature of thearrays 12 in which they are employed. For example, it is contemplatedthat each light bar 12 may be provided with a different type of LED, adifferent mixture of LED types and/or corresponding optics or lensescombined with the LEDs. In one of the illustrated embodiments, at leastone of the light bars 12 is provided with a different color or spectrumof LEDs for special applications requiring color or spectral mixes ofselected types of combinations. Such an embodiment may include theability to selected turn selected ones of the light bars 12 on or off indifferent combinations for the purpose of color or spectral control.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, light bars 12 are fixed or fitted into astamped plate 16, which is also provided with a rolled or formed edge 18on its periphery. Plate 16 and its corresponding heat sink 24 asdescribed below may in fact be die cast as a single, integral piece ifdesired. Plate 16 is shaped and otherwise arranged and configured to fitor to be retrofitted into a luminaire 20, such as the conventional CobraHead luminaire 20 shown in FIGS. 8-10. While the example embodimentsdescribed herein concentrate on a particular class of luminaire, namelythe ubiquitous ‘Cobra Head’, it is expressly within the scope of theinvention that many other different existing luminaire types and shapescould be used. It must also be expressly understood that plate 16 willbe appropriately configured according to the type luminaire might bechosen.

However, it is to be noted that in the illustrated embodiment there isno need for a protective covering, face plate, lens or bezel to becombined with the luminaire 20 when the light bars 12 are retrofittedinto the luminaire 20. In fact, the use of such coverings, face plates,lenses or bezels typically results in the loss of 20-30% of the usefullight from the luminaire 20. Light bars 12 are directly exposed to theenvironment and provide light to the street or other application withoutthe need for any additional protection and without the loss typicallysuffered from such protections. Thus, in a retrofitted embodiment, theprotective covering. face plate, lens or bezel is permanently removedwhen module 10 is installed.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, light bars 12 are recessed into plate 16which is provided with a depth bordering the plurality of light bars 12to provide a bordering peripheral shield 22 to provide shadowing of thecollective light beam from luminaire 20 to provide earth friendly, DarkSky Initiative compliance. Le. high angle sky rays from LEDs 14 directedat or above the horizon are blocked by the peripheral shield 22.However, it is also contemplated that arrays 12 may also be providedwith LEDs 14 that are each optically equipped with an appropriate opticto provide earth friendly. Dark Sky Initiative compliance even if flatlyor flushly mounted on plate 16 without any bordering peripheral shield22.

In the illustrated embodiment, light bars 12 are fixed to plate 16 byconventional bolt and nut fasteners 44. best seen in the explodedperspective view of FIG. 5, but it is to be understood that plate 16 canbe adapted to engage light bars 12 by resilient snap fittings in plate16 if desired to facilitate quick replacement.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper or inside surface of theembodiment of FIG. 1 showing a heat sink 24 which a plurality of fins 26thermally and mechanically coupled to light bars 12 and/or LEDs 14 andto plate 16. As will be described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5 heatsink 24 is scalable in the sense that it is provided as a two-part sink24 a and 24 b, which may be operatively and selectively configured tooperate with one, two or three light bars 12 without redesign of themodule 10. It is to be expressly understood that the scope ofscalability of the design without design modification also includes adesign which could similarly accommodate four or any specific number oflight bars and heat sinks without design modification according to theteaching and spirit of the illustrated embodiments. The end plan view ofFIG. 4 shows that fins 26 a plurality of vertically extending heatdissipating finned surfaces 38 extending from a base 40. In theillustrated embodiment heat sink 24 is fabricated in at least twosections 24 a and 24 b which nest or fit with adjacent sections byoverlapping flanges 42 defined in base 40 as best shown in FIGS. 4 and5. Section 24 a of heat sink 24 is shown in the left in the illustrationof FIG. 4 and has a width so that it spans two light bars 12. Section 24b of heat sink 24 is shown in the right in the illustration of FIG. 4and has a width so that it spans one light bar 12. By combining bothsections 24 a and 24 b three light bars 12 are operatively thermallycoupled to heat sink 24. Alternatively, only two light bars 12 could bemounted in plate 16 and only section 24 a coupled thereto as shown inthe assembled Cobra Head luminaire 20 as shown in FIGS. 8-10. It canreadily be understood by viewing the view of FIG. 7 how both light bars12 and heat sink 24 can be selectively scalable. FIG. 7 shows athree-light bar embodiment, but two light bars can also be provided andattached to plate 16 aligned along the center of plate 16 by mountingholes in plate 16 provided for bolts 44 for this particular alignment.Section 24 b is removed from plate 16 in the configuration of FIGS. 4and 7 and section 24 a is then similarly mounted and aligned along thecenter of plate 16 in alignment with the two opposing light bars 12.Sections 24 a and 24 b are provided with prismatic channels 27 runningalong the longitudinal length of sections 24 a and 24 b as seen in endcross sectional view in FIG. 4 in which the nuts 45 on bolts 44 arecaptured and which also serve to attach sections 24 a and 24 b to plate16. In the embodiment where a single light bar 12 is desired, onlysection 24 b in the views of FIGS. 4 and 7 is provided, mounted andaligned along the center of plate 16 in alignment with the singleopposing light bar 12. In this manner, module 10 can be readily changedfrom one light bar to multiple (e.g., two, three, etc.) light barembodiments either in the field or at the time of original assemblywithout any alteration in the design of module 10 being necessary.

Power and power control is provided to light bars 22 through module 28mounted to one side of a mounting flange 32 which is also coupled toplate 16 and which is electrically coupled to grounding wire 30. Module28 includes a weatherproof enclosure. Electrical connections to module28 can be made directly through twist-on or compression wire couplingstied to the walls of the enclosure or through a terminal block 34 shownin the embodiment of FIG. 2. Other quick-connect/disconnect methods maybe used as well. Module 28 may also house other types of street lightcontrol and communication Circuitry. For example, the lighting apparatusfurther comprises pulse width modulation (PWM) circuitry or an onboardpower conversion circuit and where electrical power is supplied to theat least one light bar via the pulse width modulation (PWM) circuitry oronboard power conversion circuit. The lighting apparatus furthercomprises dimming controls, color controls or electronics applicable tooutdoor lighting. The electronics applicable to outdoor lightingcomprises a network addressing circuit, a radio frequency controlcircuit or a communication circuit. Such examples, by no means exhaustthe possible number or types of lighting circuits that can beaccommodated and exploited in module 10.

When the exploded assembly of components as depicted in FIG. 5 areassembled, they appear as shown in the bottom plan view FIG. 6 and incross-sectional side view as seen through section lines C-C in FIG. 6 asshown in FIG. 7. The lower half of luminaire 20 is hinged on its rearend 48, opening up like a clam shell as shown in FIG. 9. The assembly ofFIGS. 1-7 or an embodiment thereof is then installed in the lower shell50, and is clipped or retained by a flange edge at one end and locked inby retention plate 46 at the opposing end, which plate 46 is fixed toshell 50 by conventional threaded fasteners as shown in FIG. 6.Retention plate 46 includes angled flanges 47 which bear against theends of adjacent light bars 12 to secure the LEDs 14 on the adjacent endof light bars 12 and the extreme end of the corresponding light bar 12into thermal and/or physical contact with heat sink 24, since there isno adjacent or contiguous hold down bolts 44 due to their end positionas is the case with each of the other LEDs 14 on each light bar and theopposing end of the light bar 12. By the same means retention plate 46serves to retain light bars 12 onto plate 16. As shown in the embodimentof FIG. 6 a separate flange 47 is provided for each of three separatelight bars 12, but it is to be understood that retention plate 46 isalso scalable in the sense that the spacing and length of flanges 47 aresuch that retention plate 46 is also equally effective with one or twolight bars 12 installed onto plate 16 without the need for any redesign.

The inside or top surface of the module 10 of a three-light barembodiment like that shown in FIGS. 1-7 is when installed in the lowershell 50 similar to that depicted in the photographic view of FIG. 10showing a two-light bar embodiment and is wired into the conventionalelectrical power connections in upper shell 52 as best seen in FIG. 9.As shown in FIG. 10 module 10 is retained in the Cobra Head installationby insertion of one end of plate 16 under fixed flanges 54 extendingfrom the forward inner edge of lower shell 50 and unfastening one ormore screw clips 56 extending over the opposing edge of plate 16 fromthe opposing edge of lower shall 50. When service or replacement isrequired, the entire module 10 of FIGS. 1-7 can be removed from lowerhalf shell 50 as shown in FIG. 10 by unfastening one or more clips 56,decoupling the wiring led through upper half shell 52, module 10 liftedout from flanges 54, and a new or refurbished module 10 inserted andsecured by reversing these steps. The entire process requires only lessthan one half hour to accomplish.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustratedembodiments have been set forth only for the purpose of providingexamples and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention asdefined by the claims below.

In summary, it may now be appreciated that what is disclosed above inthe illustrated embodiments is a lighting apparatus for retrofitting anexisting luminaire comprising: a plurality of light emitting diodes(LED) of similar or differing wavelengths arranged and configured in atleast one light bar array; a heat sink module thermally coupled to theat least one light bar array; an electronic power module electricallycoupled to the at least one light bar array; and a plate coupled to theat least one light bar array, electronic power module and the heat sinkmodule, the plate arranged and configured for coupling to the luminaireto provide quick and easy installation and replacement of the at leastone light bar array, heat sink module and electronic power module intoand from the luminaire. It is to be expressly understood that thelighting apparatus for retrofitting an existing luminaire need notinclude the power module as an integral part of its assembly, but that apreexisting power module in the luminaire could be used if appropriateor that a retrofitted or new power module could be installed separatelyinto the luminaire. Uses of the invention include street lighting,parking lot and pathway lighting or any indoor or outdoor venue where abroad beam of light is desired at low cost and long life. In one casethe preexisting luminaire comprises a Cobra Head luminaire. Thepreexisting luminaire is originally provided with a conventional non-LEDlight source, which is removed from the luminaire and replaced in situby the at least one light bar array, heat sink module, electronic powermodule and plate without mechanical or electrical redesign ormodification of the luminaire. The luminaire has a preexisting openingthrough or from which light is provided and where the plate comprises ashaped plate that fits in the existing opening of the luminaire, theplate including a recessed cavity to accommodate the at least one lightbar and to provide shadowing of light from the at least one light bararray to provide earth friendly, Dark Sky Initiative compliance. Therecessed cavity in the plate comprises a recessed formed in a stampedshaped plate. The luminaire includes preexisting mounting features,where the plate includes a perimeter and where the perimeter of theplate is rolled or formed and cut to fit the preexisting mountingfeatures of the luminaire. The plate has a backside, the luminaire hasan interior cavity, and the heat sink module comprises a heat sinkextrusion coupled to the backside of the plate to transfer heatgenerated from the LEDs into the interior cavity of the luminaire, aswell as transferring heat through the sides of the recessed plate actingas a peripheral heat fin. The plate is disposed between the heat sinkmodule and the at least one light bar. The lighting apparatus furthercomprises a transformer or power source coupled to the at least onelight bar and where the at least one light bar includes a plurality ofLEDs electrically coupled together in series, parallel or both. Theforegoing summarization is set forth for the purposes of illustration ofsome embodiments and should not be understood as defining or limitingthe invention.

The illustrated embodiments of the invention can now also be understoodto include within their scope a method of retrofitting an existingluminaire as illustrated in the flow diagram of FIG. 11 comprising thesteps of: providing in step 60 a plurality of light emitting diodes(LED) of similar or differing wavelengths arranged and configured in atleast one light bar array, a heat sink module thermally coupled to theat least one light bar array. an electronic power module electricallycoupled to the at least one light bar array, and a plate coupled to theat least one light bar array, electronic power module and the heat sinkmodule, the plate arranged and configured for coupling to the luminaireto provide quick and easy installation and replacement of the at leastone light bar array, heat sink module and electronic power module intoand from the luminaire, the at least one light bar, heat sink,electronic power module and plate being combined into an LED assemblyarranged and configured to be readily disposed in or on the luminaireand electrically coupled thereto or therethrough; removing in step 62 apreexisting light source from the luminaire including any protectiveglass coverings and/or lenses; and installing in step 64 the LEDassembly in or on the luminaire without any other modification of theluminaire. The steps of removing the preexisting light source andinstalling the LED assembly are performed in situ without mechanical orelectrical redesign or modification of the luminaire. The luminaire hasa preexisting opening through or from which light is provided and theplate comprises a shaped plate that fits in the existing opening of theluminaire, the plate including a recessed cavity to accommodate the atleast one light bar. The method further comprises the step of shadowingof light from the at least one light bar array to provide earthfriendly, Dark Sky Initiative compliance. The luminaire includespreexisting mounting features, the plate includes a perimeter, and thestep of installing the LED assembly in or on the luminaire without anyother modification of the luminaire comprises rolling or forming andcutting the perimeter of the plate to fit the preexisting mountingfeatures of the luminaire. The plate has a backside, the luminaire hasan interior cavity, and the heat sink module comprises a heat sinkextrusion coupled to the backside of the plate. The method furthercomprises the steps of generating heat from the LEDs and transferringheat generated from the LEDs into the interior cavity of the luminaire.The method further comprises the step of powering the at least one lightbar with pulse width modulation (PWM) circuitry or an onboard powerconversion circuit. The method further comprises the step of dimming theat least one light bar, controlling or forming color of light generatedby the at least one light bar, addressing a network, controlling the atleast one light bar using radio frequency control or communicatinginformation to or from the at least one light bar with a remote system.The foregoing summarization is set forth for the purposes ofillustration of some embodiments and should not be understood asdefining or limiting the invention.

Thus, in light of the description of the illustrated embodiments above,it can now be appreciated that various advantages of at least some ofthe illustrated embodiments may include a modular, efficient replacementlamp that provides all the basic outdoor lighting IES light patterns(Types 1-5), meets the parameters of the Dark Sky Initiative, fits intoa multiplicity of Cobra Head lamp fixtures and provides energy savingsof 50% or better than traditional light sources. Another advantage of atleast some of the illustrated embodiments is the ability to replace vastsystems of traditional outdoor lighting with LED lights at a fraction ofthe cost of installing new LED luminaires.

Therefore. it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments havebeen set forth only for the purpose of providing examples and that theyshould not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by thefollowing claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that theelements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, itmust be expressly understood that the invention may include othercombinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosedin above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. Ateaching that two elements are combined in a claimed combination isfurther to be understood as also allowing for a claimed combination inwhich the two elements are not combined with each other, but may be usedalone or combined in other combinations. The excision of any disclosedelement of the invention is explicitly contemplated as within the scopeof the invention.

The words used in this specification to describe the invention and itsvarious embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of theircommonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in thisspecification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of thecommonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in thecontext of this specification as including more than one meaning, thenits use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possiblemeanings supported by the specification and by the word itself.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are,therefore. defined in this specification to include not only thecombination of elements which are literally set forth, but allequivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially thesame function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially thesame result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that anequivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for anyoneof the elements in the claims below or that a single element may besubstituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements maybe described above as acting in certain combinations and even initiallyclaimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or moreelements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised fromthe combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by aperson with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, areexpressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of theclaims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one withordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of thedefined elements.

The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specificallyillustrated and described above, what is conception ally equivalent,what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporatesthe essential idea of the invention.

1. A method for retrofitting a street light that comprises a lightsource mounted in an enclosure, wherein the enclosure comprises: (i) adoor that opens towards a surface to be illuminated or is removable,(ii) an opening through which or from which light from the light sourceis provided towards the surface; and (iii) a light permeable membercovering the opening, the method comprising the steps of: opening orremoving the door; and replacing the light source and the lightpermeable member with a system that comprises: an array of LEDs disposedadjacent a first side of a member and oriented to emit light towards thesurface; heat sink fins attached to a second side of the member,projecting away from the surface; and a power module electricallyconnected to the array of LEDs.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thestep of replacing the light source and the light permeable membercomprises permanently removing the light source and the light permeablemember, and wherein subsequent to the replacing step and completion ofthe retrofit, the opening exposes the array of LEDs to the environment.3. The method of claim 1, wherein the member and the heat sink fins aredie cast as an integral piece.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein thedoor of the enclosure includes the opening of the enclosure.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the opening and replacing steps are performedwhile the street light remains attached to a pole.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the member fits in the opening.
 7. The method of claim1, wherein the door is hinged, and wherein the light permeable membercomprises a protective glass cover, a protective plastic cover, a faceplate, or a lens.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the retrofittedstreet light is Dark Sky Initiative compliant.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein the array of LEDs is recessed relative to a surface of theenclosure that faces the surface to be illuminated.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the array of LEDs is recessed relative to a peripheraledge of the opening.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the retrofittedstreet light blocks a light ray from the array that is directed at orabove the horizon
 12. A system for retrofitting an outdoor luminairethat comprises an opening through which or from which light is provided,the system comprising: a plate that is shaped to fit the opening andthat comprises a recess; an array of light emitting diodes disposed inthe recess along a surface of the plate; and an electronic power moduleelectrically coupled to the array of light emitting diodes, wherein aheat sink projects from the plate opposite the recess.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the plate is operable to mitigate light pollution ofthe array.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the outdoor luminairecomprises a lens covering the opening and a lamp, and wherein the systemreplaces the lens and the lamp.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein therecess is of sufficient depth to interfere with one or more rays oflight emitted by the array that would otherwise contribute to lightpollution.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the system is Dark SkyInitiative compliant.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the system isoperative to block a light ray from the array that is directed at orabove the horizon.
 18. A system for retrofitting a street light thatcomprises a light source mounted in an enclosure, the enclosurecomprising: (i) a door that opens towards a surface to be illuminated oris removable, (ii) an aperture through which or from which light fromthe light source is provided towards the surface; and (iii) a lightpenetrable cover disposed at the aperture, the system comprising: a diecast plate dimensioned to fit the aperture and comprising a first sidefrom which heat sink fins protrude and a second side; an array of lightemitting diodes disposed along the second side; and a power supplydisposed adjacent the second side for powering the light emittingdiodes, wherein the system replaces the light penetrable cover and thelight source.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the second sidecomprises a cavity in which the array of light emitting diodes isdisposed, and wherein the cavity has an edge that is disposed to occludelight produced by the array.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein thesystem is dimensioned for retrofit installation in the street lightthrough the door when opened or when the door is removed.
 21. The systemof claim 18, wherein the system is adapted for an retrofit of the streetlight via the door while the street light remains attached to a pole.